Altered collagene characteristics and lysyl oxidase activity in lathyrism

Experiments were carried out on rats with lathyrism, which was induced by adding semicarbazide (0.075%) into drinking water for 45 days. The data obtained show a 30% reduction in the body weight and an increase in.organ weight coefficients. Semicarbazide intake led to the pelvic limb paralysis, scoliosis, bone tissue degradation, cartilage growth, 46% decrease of the calcium level in the femur. It has been detected essential structural changes in extracellular matrix based on the collagen cross-links reduction. The activity of lysyl oxidase, a key enzyme for the collagen development, showed 5-fold decrease in the aorta tissues. The level of formaldehyde, a nonenzymic cross-links developer, has been measured in the liver tissue by the aldehyde trap (5,5-dimethyleyclohexane-1,3-dione) administration and then fluorimetric determination of formaldimedone. Under semicarbazide load, the formaldehyde level in the liver tissue was reduced by 47%. Therefore, semicarbazide influences not only the enzymic development of aldehyde groups in collagen, but the level of other aldehydes, which can cause cross-links. This experimental model of lathyrism is appropriate for investigation of the lysyl oxidase inhibitors effect on extracellular matrix.